![](https://www.bbbsaz.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/07/CivicsMattersArizona.png)
![](https://www.bbbsaz.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/07/CivicsMattersArizona.png)
A few weeks ago, seven of our high school Littles were selected to participate in Civics Matters Arizona, an annual civic engagement initiative for students across our state. The event took place in June and It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our littles to fly with other students their age to Washington, DC, on the Arizona Cardinals team plane! While in DC, they were supervised at all times, engaged in various civic-related activities, and were provided with meals and hotel accommodations.
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![](https://www.bbbsaz.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/07/354184372_801649374658812_6369632925103007014_n-1024x683.jpg)
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Each Little who attend had to participate in a selection process which included submitting either a short essay or video answering the following question:
How can young people be involved in their community or their government? Why do you want to go to Washington, DC, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
Here are some of the responses:
“I want to go to Washington DC to see and discover new things. Learn more about the civics and take this amazing opportunity to look deeper into the historical background of the constitution.”- Little Sister Brianna
“I would like to say thank you for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of civics. As someone who is completely blessed, I feel it’s only fair for me to understand my part and what contributions I will be able to make as I am nearing adulthood. Obviously, I would be lying if I said taking an NFL team plane to explore Washington D.C. with a group of peers my age wasn’t also entirely appealing. Everything about this trip sounds incredible, and I would be honored to be chosen.” – Little Sister Jazmine
Here is a recap video of the Civics Matters AZ Program https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNRC0W71gNg.